Beautiful: The Carole King Musical

Musical

Writers: Douglas McGrath Carole King Gerry Goffin Cynthia Weil Barry Mann

Overview

Show Information

Category
Musical
Number of Acts
2
First Produced
2013
Genres
Historical/Biographical, Jukebox/Revue
Settings
Period, Multiple Settings
Time & Place
New York City, Los Angeles, 1958-1971
Cast Size
large
Orchestra Size
Medium
Dancing
Some Dance
Ideal for
Large Cast, Star Vehicle Female, College/University, Community Theatre, Diverse Cast, Ensemble Cast, High School, Professional Theatre, Regional Theatre
Casting Notes
Mostly female cast
Includes young adult, adult, mature adult, late teen characters

Synopsis

Beautiful tells the true story of Carole King’s meteoric rise to fame as one of the twentieth century’s foremost singer-songwriters. We are introduced to Carole when she is 16 and pitching her first song (“It Might As Well Rain Until September”) to New York music producer Don Kirshner. Soon after, she meets her future husband and creative collaborator, Gerry Goffin. In a musical whirlwind, the couple are married, King gives birth to their first child and the duo make a name for themselves in the music business, knocking out hit after hit. However, while their careers are on the rise, Carole’s personal life falls apart when Gerry announces that he wants an affair. As Carole tries to negotiate marriage, adultery and personal happiness, she is supported by friends and playful rivals, Cynthia Weil and Barry Mann. Although they all compete for number one hits on the pop chart, Carole relies on their support to change her life and find her own voice. Set in the vibrant pop industry of the 1960s and early 1970s, Beautiful: The Carole King Musical features a tapestry of musical hits from the creative songwriting teams of King and Goffin, Weil and Mann.

Lead Characters

Beautiful: The Carole King Musical guide sections